MRA: Entertainment revival for Rechabites Hall
Happy Heart Pty Ltd has been announced as the preferred proponent to refurbish and resurrect Rechabites Hall in Northbridge as a multilevel cultural and entertainment complex.
As part of the proposed agreement Happy Heart Pty Ltd, led by master developer Adrian Fini and local arts advocate Marcus Canning, have committed to a $3million restoration of the heritage-listed William Street building.
MRA Acting Chief Executive Officer Sean Henriques said that under the deal, Rechabites Hall would become a vibrant creative and cultural hub, with a live performance hall, music venue, pop up presentation space and a number of food and beverage options.
“This plan will see Rechabites Hall re-established as an exciting place which celebrates Perth’s popular and emerging creative and cultural industries, activates the streetscape and continues to build on the increasing popularity of the Perth Cultural Centre.”
Mr. Henriques said this was the final stage in a $6million revitalization of William Street, which has attracted private investors, with new industries, restaurants, and businesses to the area.
“The resurgence of William Street over the past six years has had an undeniably positive impact on the overall transformation of Northbridge into the cultural heart of Perth.”
Since 2009, 16 heritage-listed William Street properties have been successfully restored creating a vibrant urban quarter occupied by creative industries, restaurants, and galleries.
“Perth’s festival season has grown exponentially over the past five years, proving the city’s appetite for the cultural arts. We are hoping to see this kind of all-year program brought to Rechabites,” said Mr. Henriques.
Refurbishment works are expected to start later this year, with the venue due to open in 2017.